April 1 - May 13, 2017Milwaukee Public Library

NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.

Read along with all of Milwaukee during the MKE Big Read! As part of the NEA Big Read 2017, Milwaukee Public Library will offer exciting events, programs, and discussions related to Julia Alvarez’s In the Time of the Butterflies. MKE Big Read seeks to inspire conversations about our communities and ourselves.

In the Time of the Butterflies, by acclaimed author Julia Alvarez, transports readers to the Dominican Republic in the mid-20th century when the country struggled under the brutal dictatorship of Rafael Leonidas Trujillo. Alvarez honors the lives of Patria, Minerva, and María Teresa Mirabal, who became icons of freedom and women’s rights when they were assassinated in the autumn of 1960 for their role in the under- ground movement against Trujillo’s regime. The novel explores themes of courage, freedom, rebellion against tyranny, family and women’s rights.

MKE Big Read Kickoff

Ready, Set, Read! Help us kick off the MKE Big Read and celebrate In the Time of the Butterflies. The kickoff will include readings from the book, Caribbean dances by Panadanza Dance Company, and craft activities. Community partners Milwaukee Public Museum and Walker’s Point Center for the Arts will help you explore butterflies by getting up close and personal with MPM’s mounted specimens and crafting your own butterfly to take home. Join us and receive free admission tickets (while supplies last) to MPM’s newest special exhibit Global Kitchen!

Special Exhibit and Demonstration: Global Kitchen: Food, Nature, Culture at Milwaukee Public Museum

Use your senses to learn about staples of Caribbean cuisine and the rich culinary history of the Caribbean. Explore how food is grown, how it reaches our markets and kitchens, how cooks and cultures create cuisines, and the role of food in ceremony and celebration. Free museum admission but special exhibition fees apply.

“Milwaukee is a Butterfly” Teen Poetry Contest

April 1-30, for youth ages 10-18

Do you have a way with words? Don’t be shy! All Milwaukee youth ages 10-18 are encouraged to submit a poem with an entry form to compete in this year’s Poetry Contest featuring the anti-violence theme “Milwaukee is a Butterfly”. Learn more!

Teen Poetry and Spoken Word Open Mic Night

Calling all teen poets and spoken word artists! We want you and your words to be heard! Join us for a writing workshop and perform at our Open Mic red carpet event. Our anti-violence theme is “Milwaukee is a Butterfly.” Sponsored by the Teen Advisory Board.

Programs

Discovery Lunch: Memoir Writing

Memory and family are central themes in the MKE Big Read book, In the Time of the Butterflies. Learn how to write the key stories of your life to share with your family and friends. Presented by author and writing coach Rochelle Melander.

The Thing About Flowers

Flowers in Julia Alvarez’s In the Time of the Butterflies are sustaining, symbolic and ritualistic. Touch on the significance of flowers in the book and join Michael Alt, local florist and Alt’s antique shop owner, as he shares his love of sustainable flowers and expertise in flower arranging. Make your own floral arrangement in a small vessel to take home.

Afternoons with Art (AwA)

Afternoons with Art classes give students an extensive session on art and expression, guided by a structured curriculum and experienced arts educators. Explore the themes of MKE Big Read’s In the Time of the Butterflies. Call 414.509.6187 to
register or visit WPCA’s website at wpca-milwaukee.org/afternoons-with-art-awa/

For Teachers! “In the Time of the Butterflies”
Teacher Roundtable

Presented by the Center for Latin American and Carribbean Studies (CLAS) at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee

Saturday, April 22, 9-11:30 am

UWM Northwest Quadrant D1961, 2025 E. Newport Ave.

A teacher roundtable discussion on In the Time of the Butterflies with Professor Emerita Valentina Peguero (History, UW-Stevens Point). Free event. Register by email to jkline@uwm.edu.

Dominican Political Environment during “In the Time of the Butterflies”

Ex Fabula Storytelling Workshops in English & Spanish

Everyone has a story to tell, and we want to help you share yours! At Ex Fabula Storytelling Workshops, experienced storytelling coaches guide you through hands-on, small group exercises on the following topics:

Finding your story: Why storytelling is important and powerful and how to select a great story to tell

Crafting your story: How to structure your story for maximum impact

Telling your story: Tips to practice before you take the stage

Our theme, in keeping with In the Time of the Butterflies, is “courage.” Ages 13 and up. After the workshop, plan on attending a free StorySlam on Thursday May 4 at Centennial Hall (733 N. Eighth St.) and if you feel like sharing your story onstage, you can put your name in the hat.

MKE Big Read Bilingual Story Slam with Ex Fabula

Ex Fabula StorySlams strengthen community bonds by creating spaces where people can connect over true, personal stories. No props, no notes – just the elements of “Story. Stage. You”. This StorySlam will feature stories related to the theme of “Courage”.

Doors open at 6:30 pm, stories start at 7 pm. Come just to listen – or, if you have a story related to the night’s theme and can share it in 5 minutes or less, throw your name in the hat for a chance to take the stage. Another way to share stories is via UltraShorts, which are brief, true personal stories written on slips of paper and then read onstage by the emcee.

Create Your Own World

If you were in charge of creating your nation, what would it look like? Would you be able to keep the peace and create a prosperous society? Discover the power you have to influence your world.

NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.

Book Discussions

In the Time of the Butterflies explores themes of courage, freedom, rebellion against tyranny, family and memory. Discuss the book, its themes, and its relevance to our community with fellow Milwaukeeans at one of our many MKE Big Read book discussions.